A new Stakes winner for Alabama Express emerged victorious in the Gr.2 Wakeful Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, when his three-year-old daughter Treasurethe Moment wound up just ahead of the 200-metre mark and strode clear to a 1.75l win over Powers Of Opal (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}). The Matt Laurie trainee was having only her sixth start, and recorded her third straight win for the preparation, stepping up from BM70 grade over the mile last start.
The Gr.1 VRC Oaks beckons next for the filly and her Mornington-based trainer.
“If she’s recovered well, then we’ll be here,” Laurie said. “She’s out of a Street Cry mare and there’s a bit of staying bloodline, further down the page. If you are trying to purchase a stayer, this horse, (the way she) paraded as a yearling, she screams that. Her work last weekend suggested she was more than up to this as a company.
“It’s great to win for Yulong. They’ve been really supportive of me, and I can’t wait till next week.”
Damien Oliver was also keen to see the filly return for the Oaks.
“On how she went today, I think she can (go there),” he said post-race. “She ran right to the line, so hopefully that indicates she’s going to run the trip. If we have quick ground, I think that’s going to suit her.
“She really enjoyed that firm ground. Hopefully she comes through the run well and can go on the Oaks.”
Treasurethe Moment shows the rest of the field a clean pair of heels to win the Gr.2 Wakeful S. at Flemington | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
A homebred for Yulong Investments, Treasurethe Moment is the third foal from Draconic Treasure (USA) (Street Cry {Ire}), who was purchased at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for US$320,000 ($488,000) by BBA (Ireland) and Yulong. A winner at 1650 metres in her home country, she is a half-sister to Listed placed Glowsity (USA) (Bodemeister {USA}) and Hazy Morning (USA) (Curlin {USA}), dam of dual Listed winner Bella Mia (Per) (Yazamaan {GB}). Notably the family features 2003 Gr.1 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle (USA) (Theatrical {USA}).
Treasurethe Moment is the last foal from her dam, who passed away in 2022 while in foal to Written Tycoon. She becomes the third individual Stakes winner for her Yulong Stud-based sire.
Written by Kit Gow for TTRAusNZ
